The Festival's 10-day program includes a variety of free events and installations.
Ballarat, a city steeped in history, is gearing up for the much-awaited return of the Ballarat Heritage Festival, scheduled for ten days from May 17th to May 26th. This annual celebration serves as a vibrant tribute to Ballarat’s diverse cultural legacy, inviting both locals and tourists to delve into its rich tapestry of stories and experiences.
From immersive night-time heritage walks to interactive exhibits, hands-on workshops, and even a charming tweed ride, the festival promises a plethora of events and activities to captivate visitors. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore Ballarat’s golden past and witness its evolving future through live performances, traditional crafts, and tantalizing local cuisine.
Ballarat Heritage Festival
- Dates: May 17th – 26th, 2024
- Location: Various sites across Ballarat
- Website: ballaratheritagefestival.com.au
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around the region here.
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Established in 2007, the Ballarat Heritage Festival serves as a tribute to the city’s rich history, offering authentic and courageous experiences that resonate with both past and present. Over the years, it has evolved into a major tourist attraction, showcasing Ballarat’s unique stories and landmarks while celebrating its vibrant cultural heritage.
Festival Highlights:
- Monuments: Renowned Australian artist Craig Walsh will grace Ballarat’s Sturt Street with his mesmerizing outdoor video installations, depicting narratives from Ballarat’s past, including contributions from First Nations artist Barry Gilson. (Nightly from May 17th – May 26th)
- Craft Lab 24: Collaborating with Craft Victoria and the Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades, Craft Lab 24 at the Ballarat Mining Exchange will explore the intersection of form and function through traditional artisanal techniques and contemporary treatments. (May 18-19; May 25-26)
- Joan Ross at Alfred Deakin Place: Experience the thought-provoking works of Australian artist Joan Ross, shedding light on the impacts of colonialism, displayed via big screens and lightboxes. (May 17th – May 26th)
- Vintage Car Show: Join the Ballarat Classic and Vintage Car Club for a nostalgic display of historic vehicles against the backdrop of Lydiard Street on May 19th.
- Ballarat Old Gaol Tour: Dive into the intriguing history of the Ballarat Old Gaol through artifacts and images on May 18th and May 19th.
- Eureka Centre: Engage in enlightening discussions, including a conversation between writer John Safran and historian Dr. Sue Silberberg, exploring the Jewish influence on Ballarat in the nineteenth century.
- Tweed Ride: Step back in time and traverse Ballarat’s historic streets in vintage style on May 18th.
The festival’s complete lineup, including exclusive ticketed events, will be unveiled in March.
Find out more here.
